English Language Arts
Information
Sudbury Public Schools is committed to providing a rigorous and engaging curriculum in English Language Arts according to the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework. As a district we strive to offer many opportunities for students to grow as readers and writers in a community of learners, and to instill a life-long appreciation of literature. Please see the Parent Curriculum Guide for more information.
Want to promote reading at home? Here are some tips:
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Reading is reading no matter where the words appear. Whether it's a comic book, science magazine, or an extensive series of novels, any piece of writing is also a piece of reading.
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Need ideas? Start with your child's interests and hobbies. Look up books by topic or theme. Then find the genre your child is interested in - science fiction, nonfiction, poetry, etc.
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Create a cozy and soft reading space for your child. Even a pillow against the wall with a lamp nearby can serve as a reading nook.
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Model the behavior. Let your child see you read what you like, whether it's the sports pages or a lifestyle magazine. They may want to join you!
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Librarians LOVE books and LOVE to help people find reading material. Contact your child's school or town librarian for ideas and suggestions.
Grades K-5 Literacy Services Program Description & Criteria
Literacy services in grades K-5 are designed to serve students who demonstrate the need for additional support for phonemic awareness, phonics, oral reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary and response to reading through writing. A Literacy Specialist or Literacy Tutor provide instructional support to small groups of students based on specific needs as identified by assessment data and teacher observation. Services for students are reviewed three times per year. Once a student has successfully reached appropriate benchmarks they will be released from additional literacy services, and continually monitored by their classroom teacher. In some cases, support will be provided in the classroom during instructional time.
Middle School Statement on the Teaching of Literature
Curtis Middle School believes in using high-quality works of fiction and nonfiction to engage students in discussions about topics and issues related to diverse perspectives. Students will read complex texts across genres, cultures, and time periods.
Within a safe environment, students will learn the origin, history, and evolution of words in order to gain an understanding of their power and impact on themselves and others. Through examining the purpose and viewpoint of authors, students will develop empathy and a greater understanding of the human condition.
Grades 6-8 Literacy Services Program Description & Criteria
Literacy services in grades 6-8 are designed to serve students who demonstrate the need for additional support for reading comprehension, vocabulary, or writing. Students are referred for literacy services by teacher recommendation and a predetermined set of criteria. A Literacy Specialist provides instructional support to small groups of students based on specific needs as identified by assessment data and teacher observation. These services are provided during the UA block, which is in addition to the core instructional time for English Language Arts. Services for students are reviewed at the beginning of each school year and at the end of every trimester. Once a student has successfully reached appropriate benchmarks, or their data exceeds the criteria, they will be released from additional literacy services, and continually monitored by their core subject teacher. In some cases, support will be provided in the classroom during instructional time.
Contact Information
Lauren Egizio
Humanities Curriculum Coordinator
lauren_egizio@sudbury.k12.ma.us